Night work can have a stressful effect on your body and your overall health.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than nine million adults in the United States work night shifts.
There are numerous jobs in a variety of industries that require night shift workers, including healthcare professionals, flight attendants, hotel receptionists, construction workers, truck drivers, firefighters, police officers, and others.
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Working the night shift requires adjusted sleep patterns and meal times. These two factors contribute to the health problems associated with the night shift and can lead to an increased risk of cancer, gastrointestinal disease, and more.
- Increased cancer risk
- Possible gastrointestinal disorders
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Psychological concerns
1. Increased risk of cancer
Studies have shown that people who work night shifts have an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) drew its own conclusions about a link between night shift work and certain types of cancer based on “systematic review methods and established criteria,” according to a 2021 report from the organization.
Studies have shown that frequent night shift work over long periods of time poses various health risks. (iStock)
The NTP found “strong evidence” that frequent night shift work disrupts the circadian rhythm and can cause breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal 24-hour clock. One factor that influences the circadian rhythm is light.
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Working the night shift disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm because the person is working at a time when the body’s natural instinct is to sleep.
If you frequently work night shifts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you maintain a similar sleep schedule on your non-work days to help your body adjust to a better routine.
Many health risks associated with working night shifts are related to disruption of a person’s sleep pattern. (iStock)
2. Possible gastrointestinal disorders
If you work the night shift, you may find yourself eating at odd times.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), possible gastrointestinal disturbances that may occur include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, indigestion and heartburn.
A disturbed circadian rhythm can also be responsible for these gastrointestinal problems, because the body’s internal clock may not function properly if you eat at unusual times during the night.
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While you are on your feet and working for many hours at night, it is important that you get enough food and fluids.
What you eat at work and even where you eat can help ease these digestive problems, according to NIOSH.
Recommended foods for work hours include vegetables, salads, soups, fruits, whole grain sandwiches, yogurt, cheese, eggs, nuts and green tea.
People who frequently work night shifts can suffer from digestive problems. (iStock)
NIOSH also suggests finding a different dining environment outside of work and trying to enjoy the meal together with other coworkers.
To develop a relatively normal eating rhythm, NIOSH recommends avoiding eating between midnight and 6 a.m. if possible.
3. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Many years and many night shifts can endanger heart health.
According to NIOSH, research has found a link between certain risk factors that are more common among night shift workers and are associated with cardiovascular disease, such as smoking and metabolic disorders.
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People with high blood pressure may be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes if they frequently work night shifts, according to findings published in August 2022 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Studies suggest that people who work night shifts have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. (iStock)
The study spanned 12 years, during which 36,939 participants from the UK Biobank were monitored.
According to the study, those who suffered from high blood pressure and worked night shifts had a 16 percent higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or stroke than those who worked during the day.
4. Psychological concerns
Working the night shift can cause many psychological problems.
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People who frequently work nights may suffer from extreme fatigue and feelings of isolation.
Depression is a mental health problem that is common among night shift workers.
Night shift workers often suffer from extreme fatigue and a feeling of isolation. (iStock)
In 2023, a study was published in the National Library of Medicine that supports this fear.
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether there is an association between depression and nurses working night shifts.
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The study found “a significant association between night shift work, the circadian sleep disturbances it causes, and the risk of depression in nurses.”
